Story perspectives

AI Debate Stunt Stirs Controversy in Virginia Race

10/24/2025

Center

Reid's AI Debate

In the Virginia lieutenant governor race, Republican John Reid used artificial intelligence to stage a fake debate with Ghazala Hashmi (D-Va. State Senator).
The session streamed on YouTube with an AI moderator and responses drawn from Hashmi's past statements.
Hashmi's campaign spokesman calls it a "failed use of deepfakes" and a publicity stunt.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin vetoed a bill regulating AI in political ads due to enforcement concerns.

Left

Trump's AI Manipulation

U.S. President Donald Trump has used artificial intelligence in political messaging, with Truth Social featuring at least 62 AI-generated images and videos since late 2022.
The images portray him in exaggerated roles to reinforce his cult of personality.
Critics say this strategy distorts truth and manipulates public perception.
Experts warn it blurs reality and erodes trust in information, a modern propaganda concern.

1 of 2

Reid's AI Debate

In the Virginia lieutenant governor race, Republican John Reid used artificial intelligence to stage a fake debate with Ghazala Hashmi (D-Va. State Senator).
The session streamed on YouTube with an AI moderator and responses drawn from Hashmi's past statements.
Hashmi's campaign spokesman calls it a "failed use of deepfakes" and a publicity stunt.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin vetoed a bill regulating AI in political ads due to enforcement concerns.

1 / 2